Switch Schools SA20 profile: Robert Burman (Hilton College)
Hilton College cricket captain Robert Burman played a leading role in his side’s qualification for the Switch Schools SA20 Final Showdown, both with the bat and with his lead-by-example, inclusive style of leadership.
When the KZN regional final took place in Pietermaritzburg in January, he top-scored, with 54, in Hilton’s opening game, a 33-run win over the defending champion, Northwood.
Then, he all but guaranteed their place in the final by tearing apart the Dolphins’ Switch Schools SA20 champion, Westville Boys’ High, with a sensational unbeaten 101 from only 63 balls, which included five fours and five sixes.
Hilton won that match by 24 runs.
In the final, against Westville, they achieved what coach David Griffiths considers to be the key to winning T20 matches. They dominated in the power play.
It has been a strong season for Hilton College. Their side has been more consistent than it was last season, and Burman, their leader, has been one of their top run scorers. He’s also been at the forefront of a unit that is enjoying the game.
“He got voted in as the captain by quite a big margin,” coach Griffiths told SuperSport Schools Plus.
Reflecting on the team’s strong and successful leadership, he explained how Rob Burman has taken a mature approach and not become the sole voice of leadership in the team. “As a coach, generally, you say a lot from the side, but I haven’t had to say too much,” Griffiths said.
“We have three captains this year. We have Rob, then two vice-captains. One is Sechaba Gude, who brings lots of non-stop energy, and he’s more of a bowling captain. Then, you’ve got Luke Wilson, who is more of an older head on a young body. Between the three of them, they have been outstanding.
“There are always talks being held on the field, and Rob also leans on them, as well. Sometimes, captains can go their own way, on their own path, but he’s integrated them into his leadership really well.”
He also lauded Robert Burman’s willingness to adapt to the changing state of the game, rather than doggedly sticking to a set plan, no matter the circumstances. “He’s changed things when they’ve needed to be changed,” Griffiths said. “He hasn’t been scared of change early, when we’ve been bowling. He has been really good.”
His captain, he said, “is not the most vocal of people”, but his leadership shows both on and off the field. “He is also Hilton College’s Head of Sport and a good leader in the school.”
Thanks to Robert Burman, the Hilton 1st XI is deriving fun from the game. “It helps when you’re winning. You can have a little bit more fun,” Griffiths admitted, but the captain’s leadership off the field has also translated to success on it.
“There’s a big aspect of togetherness off the field, and that has made us stronger on the field as well,” the former Hampshire and Kent fast bowler said.
With Rob Burman leading by example and performing well, too, the Hilton College 1st XI is a happy unit. Their players understand their roles, and they work as a team.
It’s their respect for their skipper’s leadership, their teamwork, and the ability of all players to contribute that make the KZN side a dangerous outfit.
After just missing out on the national title in 2018, when they lost in the final of the Coca-Cola T20, they would dearly like to take that last step to national glory in Pretoria in 2026. In Robert Burman, they have a steady and composed captain, who provides them with the direction they need to win it all.
